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Beetroot & goat cheese croquettes with salmorejo

This recipe came about after I was instantly besotted with one of the tapas at Delicado Foods in McMahons Point. Not only was every dish really good at this north shore eatery, but it was the croquette that won my tastebuds that day.

A simple filling of beetroot and goat cheese, crumbed and snap fried. A divine creaminess on the tongue and an accompanying sauce that’s normally eaten as a cold soup. I recreated the salmorejo here, so now it was time to put my hands to the star of the show.

Very simple, really. It took little thought to figure this one out. Finely grated cooked beetroot mixed with goat cheese. A bath in egg, crumbs, hot oil. Done! Teamed with the salmorejo – something that can be prepped the day before – your tongue will be doing pleasured back-flips in no time.

beetroot & goat cheese croquettes with salmorejo

Grate the beetroot very finely using a microplane. Measure 6 tablespoons of the grated beetroot and set aside. Any excess can be used in a salad. If you don’t quite make 6 tablespoons it doesn’t matter either.

Using a fork, mash up the goat cheese in a mixing bowl. Add the grated beetroot and mix until well incorporated. Measure heaped tablespoonfuls of the mixture, roll it into balls and place onto a large plate. Refrigerate for a couple of hours to firm up.

Place the beaten egg and panko in two separate bowls. Heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.

Remove the beetroot & goat cheese balls from the fridge and quickly shape into perfect balls. One by one dunk each ball into the egg and the roll well in the panko. Repeat with the remaining balls, then repeat the egg and crumb procedure. This gives it a better and thicker crust.

A couple at a time, fry the croquettes in the oil until golden brown, being careful as you turn them as they may split and burst open. Drain on paper towels as you fry the remaining croquettes.

Serve hot with a good dollop of salmorejo. Garnish with herbs, if you wish.